Chapter 28: My Punches Pack a Bit of a Sting

Su Yanshu led Yu Shengsheng around, introducing her to the distinguished guests who had been invited.

The young gentlemen were courteous enough, raising their teacups in greeting, though their lingering gazes betrayed an unmistakable sense of awe.

The young ladies, however, harbored their own agendas. Those who secretly admired Su Yanshu treated Yu Shengsheng with superficial kindness, seeing how considerately he cared for her. Others, who looked down upon her humble background and envied her beauty, remained cold and distant.

Yu Shengsheng paid them no mind.

"Shensheng, this is Miss Liu. Her father is also stationed at the border, serving as a deputy general under my father's command."

No sooner had Su Yanshu finished speaking than Miss Liu scoffed. "Cousin, you are truly blessed. I heard you were orphaned and came here to seek refuge. The Su family is certainly righteous to raise even a distant relative with such refinement."

Since her father was a deputy under General Su, Miss Liu kept a close watch on the Su family's affairs. She was a sycophant of Su Zhiyi and naturally felt compelled to speak up for her.

"Look at this dress; one might mistake you for the daughter of the Su household," Miss Liu remarked, looking her up and down. "Where is the Princess of Rongyang? Why hasn't she arrived?"

Yu Shengsheng spoke slowly, "Miss Liu, you jest. I was born in the countryside, and with both my parents having passed away early, I had no one left and could barely survive. Fortunately, Madam Su was kind enough to let me stay in the Su residence. As a lowly girl from the countryside, how could I ever deserve to be called a daughter of the Su family?"

Miss Liu’s eyes widened, a hint of cruel delight flickering in their depths. "So, you are cursed with bad luck—a jinx to both your father and mother?"

Yu Shengsheng felt a secret surge of joy, though she let her face pale. "I..."

Su Yanshu’s expression darkened. "Miss Liu, life and death are fated. Shensheng was but a child then; losing her parents was already a tragedy. How can you blame her for that?"

Miss Liu glanced dismissively at Yu Shengsheng, her smile mocking. "Don't mind me, Cousin. I come from a military family; I’m blunt and my words can be harsh. Please, don't take it to heart."

As the words left her lips, a gust of wind accompanied a fist that slammed squarely into her nose.

Before the smile could vanish from Miss Liu’s lips, she was struck. Having never imagined such an outcome, she immediately broke into a torrent of tears and snot, her nose nearly bleeding.

Miss Liu’s maid was horrified, frantically trying to comfort her mistress while shrieking, "How dare you strike my lady?"

Jin Baobao withdrew her fist, her thick brows knitting together. "Oh, Miss Liu, do forgive me. I’m just a maid, and I’m blunt. My punches can be a bit painful, but please, don't take it to heart."

Her tone and demeanor were an exact mirror of Miss Liu’s own.

"You..." Miss Liu, unable to bear the humiliation in front of so many onlookers, exploded. "You lowly slave, I shall have you punished for this today!"

She raised her hand to strike, but Yu Shengsheng caught her wrist. "Miss Liu, you were the one who insulted me first, and my maid was only protecting me. She is my person; if you have a grievance, take it up with me. What kind of prowess is there in bullying a servant?"

The image Yu Shengsheng intended to cultivate today was one of an ill-omened woman—cursed, volatile, and unreasonable. Any family with sons, whether noble or common, would never want such a wife.

"Shensheng," Su Yanshu murmured, looking down at her with a flicker of amusement in his eyes.

He was not angry; in fact, he felt a strange sense of pleasure. This version of Shensheng reminded him of his little sister when she had first returned home—seemingly timid, but in reality, a wild kitten with its claws drawn. Back then, to protect his reputation, she hadn't hesitated to argue and brawl in the streets, threatening to tear people's mouths apart. She was fierce, indeed.

In that moment, Su Yanshu felt a brief flicker of hesitation. Could he really marry such a sister to Kong Dezhao?

Just then, Su Zhiyi’s voice cut in. "Miss Liu, please accept my apologies on behalf of my sister. This maid is new and clearly unversed in the rules. My sister will certainly discipline her properly later."

Su Zhiyi approached and looked up at Su Yanshu. "Second Brother, are you alright?"

Su Yanshu felt a warmth in his heart. Su Zhiyi had always been understanding, especially toward him; she was always concerned about his well-being. His smile softened. "I am fine, Second Sister."

"Shensheng," Su Yanshu looked at her defending Jin Baobao, and indeed, it looked remarkably like the way she used to protect him.

But alas, she used to protect him; now, she was protecting a lowly, wild servant girl. And doing so in front of so many noble guests.

Su Yanshu’s smile faded. "Enough of this nonsense. Apologize to Miss Liu at once."

Miss Liu walked up to Su Zhiyi. "Princess, you arrived just in time. Look at what she did to me."

Yu Shengsheng smiled lightly. "I saw Miss Liu wearing riding attire today, so different from the others, and I assumed you were skilled in martial arts. It seems I was mistaken."

If she were skilled, would she have been punched in the face by a mere maid in broad daylight? The initial blow was an insult, but these words were even more so.

Su Yanshu frowned. "Shensheng!"

Yu Shengsheng raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue. *Go on,* she thought, *scold me, punish me. This scene will surely spread, and I need not worry about the young master of the Kong family not hearing of it.*

Su Yanshu realized this as well and forced himself to hold back.

Miss Liu was indignant. "Hmph, so what if I’m wearing riding gear? Whether I have skill or not is no excuse for you to let your servant strike people." She rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with malice. "Then again, you once injured people at the hunting grounds and harmed the Princess. Like mistress, like servant."

Yu Shengsheng remained silent, looking toward Su Zhiyi. "Does the Princess think the same?"

Su Zhiyi cursed inwardly. *This idiot Miss Liu, why bring that up now? Does she want to remind everyone in front of all these people that I am a cripple?*

"Miss Liu talks only of being struck, but says nothing of why," Lu Xingzhan said, sipping his tea slowly. "If someone pointed a finger at my nose and called me a curse to my parents, a single punch wouldn't settle it."

"This... Miss, living under someone else's roof, she is too restrained. Otherwise, wouldn't she have beaten her properly?"

"It is quite rare to ask the victim to apologize," Lu Xingzhan raised his voice. "Hey, Master Su, is this your family's code of conduct?"

Su Yanshu’s temper, already smoldering, flared up at these words like oil poured on a fire.

"Young Master Lu," Su Yanshu said with a forced smile, "it is merely a petty squabble between women. Why bring family traditions into it?"

"Insulting someone by calling them a curse to their parents and ruining a woman's reputation—is that considered a 'petty squabble'?" Lu Xingzhan set down his teacup and bowed mockingly. "Master Su’s insights are truly unique. I am impressed."

Su Yanshu cast a sharp look at Yu Shengsheng. *Everything was fine until she had to stir up trouble.* And this Lu guy was always stepping in—could it be they were truly having an affair in secret? He steeled his heart; regardless, the news of Yu Shengsheng marrying Kong Dezhao had to get out today.

Su Zhiyi smiled gently. "Miss Liu, for my sake, let it go. Didn't you always like that red cloak of mine? I shall give it to you when you leave."

Miss Liu was overjoyed. "Thank you, Princess!"

Su Zhiyi nodded toward the guests. "My Second Brother invited everyone here to enjoy the lotuses and tea. As it happens, I have some tea gifted by the Empress. Let us all have a taste."

She gestured lightly, and the maids stepped forward to serve fresh tea.

Su Yanshu breathed a sigh of relief. *Zhiyi truly understands my heart; even if she has to give away something she loves, she ensures my plans proceed smoothly.*

Su Yanshu leaned in and whispered, "Do not give her your red cloak. Second Brother will find something else to appease her."

Su Zhiyi tilted her head and smiled. "I spoke in front of everyone; how could I go back on my word? The cloak is not important; Second Brother’s reputation is what matters most."

Su Yanshu felt a surge of warmth, gripping her shoulder, wishing he could pull her into his arms.